Sunglasses are more than just a summer accessory. They’re essential for protecting your eyes from harmful UV radiation. But they aren’t a universal thing, and sometimes, one pair is more beneficial than others. There are plenty of factors, like polarization, that determine whether or not you’re actually protecting your eyes.
Polarized sunglasses are often better for your eyes if you spend most of your time in high-glare environments. They reduce glare and improve your overall visual comfort. However, they can sometimes impair screens and other electronic devices, so they’re not always the best choice.
Why Sunglasses Are So Important
Our eyes are incredibly vulnerable to UV rays. Constant exposure, especially without protection, can lead to significant eye conditions. It’s not always possible to avoid the sun, and sunglasses reduce the risk of all kinds of conditions.
Extended exposure to UV radiation can lead to:
- Cataracts
- Age-related macular degeneration
- Photokeratitis (sunburn of the eye)
- Pterygium (growth on the eye)
- Eye cancer
This is why sunglasses are so important. They’re not a fashion statement—they’re the key to protecting your eyes and vision against all kinds of problems.
What’s the Difference Between Polarized & Non-Polarized Lenses?
With sunglasses, there’s a catch—they aren’t universal. Every pair of sunglasses is a little different. Ideally, you want a pair of sunglasses with 100% UV protection. This blocks UV rays before they reach your eyes to keep them protected. More expensive lenses are actually optically surfaced specifically for the frame from scratch, making them visually superior to less expensive sunglass lenses cut and stamped out in large quantities.
Then, you need to consider polarization. This is an important factor—it plays a role in your visual comfort when using your sunglasses.
There are 2 types of sunglass lenses:
- Polarized lenses
- Non-polarized lenses
So what’s the difference?
Polarized Lenses
Polarized lenses are made with a special filter. This blocks horizontal glare as it bounces off reflective surfaces. By reducing glare, these lenses make outdoor vision much more comfortable and crisp – you don’t need to squint when light bounces back at you.
The main advantage of polarized lenses is how they improve visual clarity. They’re designed to reduce discomfort and glare to keep things more enjoyable. If you drive a lot, enjoy fishing, hiking, or spending any time outside on sunny days, these lenses help prevent strain to keep your eyes relaxed.
Non-Polarized Lenses
Non-polarized lenses, on the other hand, don’t have the same filtering capabilities. They still provide 100% UV protection, but they don’t do much for glare. They’re still effective at shielding your eyes from brightness, but they aren’t the most comfortable available for your vision.
However, because they lack the special polarization, they’re often more affordable. These are ideal for people looking for basic sunglasses who don’t spend much time in high-glare environments. They’re good for casual use if you’re not too worried about glare.
The Benefits of Polarized Sunglasses
Polarized sunglasses are a great option. They don’t just block UV rays—they also help to:
- Reduce glare from reflective surfaces.
- Enhance colour perception and contrast.
- Decrease eye strain and fatigue.
They’re designed to give you a comfortable, pleasant visual experience when you’re spending time outdoors. They bring you clarity and reduced strain when you’re outdoors.
However, they’re not better or worse for your eyes. They’re just specifically designed to reduce strain and discomfort, and increase clarity. The biggest factor for protecting your eyes is UV protection—everything else is about comfort and clarity.
How Polarized Lenses Affect Screens
However, there is one key problem with polarized lenses—they do affect the light emitted by certain screens. They can make it hard to read your phone, tablet, or laptop in some situations. Depending on the type of polarization, they can make it difficult to read screens in cars or televisions, as the glare-reduction properties can interfere with the display.
If you rely on screens when you’re outside, polarized sunglasses may be a factor to review for this choice. So if you work on electronic devices or spend time indoors as well, non-polarized lenses may be more effective. You could also just use one of each as needed to keep your eyes protected against UV rays!
When to Wear Polarized Sunglasses
Polarized sunglasses are specifically helpful for any environment where you’re exposed to glare. They block the horizontal reflections to reduce eye strain and discomfort.
They’re particularly ideal for:
- Driving, where they reduce distracting glare from the road and windshields.
- Fishing and boating, allowing you to see underwater more clearly by eliminating surface reflections.
- Outdoor sports, like skiing or cycling, for better visibility and focus in changing light conditions.
- Snowy or cold environments, as they cut down on glare reflecting back from snow and ice.
Matching your sunglasses to your environment makes outdoor activities much safer and more enjoyable.
Find Your Future Sunglasses!
Polarized sunglasses aren’t just about comfort—they protect your eyes while improving your vision in different settings. They’re a great investment in your overall eye health.
That’s why our team at Discover Eyecare is ready to help you find your future sunglasses. The right pair makes all the difference, and we’re ready to help you find a shape, style, and lens that meets your unique needs. So contact our team today to book your appointment—let’s work together to keep your vision clear and your eyes protected, no matter the environment.
